Waratahs change it up for Blues

This will be the 1000th game by a New South Wales team since 1882.

Flank Jack Dempsey has been named to start in the No.6 jersey, with Super Rugby centurion Dean Mumm shifting to the second row, while Dave Dennis will play one of his last matches for the Tahs in the No.8 jersey.

Reece Robinson, who has already scored five tries in his debut rugby season this year, moves into the starting right wing position, in place of Taqele Naiyaravoro - who is serving a one week suspension.

Wycliff Palu will once again provide a welcome boost in the reserves, while Jim Stewart will have the chance to make his Super Rugby debut off the bench.

This week's game will see Nick Phipps become the second Waratah, after Matt Carraro last weekend, to reach his 50th game for NSW.

Waratahs: 15 Andrew Kellaway, 14 Reece Robinson, 13 Israel Folau, 12 Rob Horne, 11 Matt Carraro, 10 Bernard Foley, 9 Nick Phipps, 8 Dave Dennis, 7 Michael Hooper (captain), 6 Jack Dempsey, 5 Will Skelton, 4 Dean Mumm, 3 Tom Robertson, 2 Tatafu Polota-Nau, 1 Paddy Ryan.

Replacements: 16 Hugh Roach, 17 Jeremy Tilse, 18 Angus Ta'avao, 19 Sam Lousi, 20 Wycliff Palu, 21 Matt Lucas, 22 David Horwitz, 23 Jim Stewart.

Date: Friday, 15 July 2016

Venue: Eden Park, Auckland

Kick-off: 19.30 (17.30 AEST; 07.30 GMT)

Referee: Mike Fraser

Assistant referees: Brendon Pickerill, Kane McBride

TMO: Ben Skeen